Don't Waste Your Money Coverage

Expect changes, new rules at hair salon
After a two month shutdown, many states, including North Carolina, are now allowing hair salons to reopen. Consumer reporter John Matarese shows us the changes to expect.

Families wait for reopening of theme parks
For plenty of families, summer vacation means Disney, or Six Flags or Carowinds. In this morning's Don't Waste your Money segment, Consumer reporter John Matarese shows users when those kind of parks could reopen.

Employees worry about return to work
Some businesses are back open in North Carolina after weeks of lockdown, but some employees are afraid to go back to work, concerned for their safety. Consumer reporter John Matarese looks into whether you can stay home and keep your job.

Millions left without stimulus funds
Have you received your stimulus check yet? Consumer reporter John Matarese looks into why millions of younger people are excluded.

Avoid concert ticket refund confusion
It's starting to look as though summer concerts may not happen at least not for a few more months. So what if you have spent hundreds of dollars on tickets to a now-postponed show? Consumer reporter John Matarese shows us the controversy over refunds.

Avoid online toilet paper scams
If you are struggling to find items that are sold out in the grocery store, ads on Facebook and Instagram can be very tempting. Consumer reporter John Matarese tells us why that is often a case of buyer beware.

Consumers may see prices, rates increase
Many companies are giving hard hit families a break right now -- such as letting them pause their car payment for a month. But despite the financial crisis, some prices and rates are still going up.

Options for paying your bills
Millions of families are struggling with the loss of their income, and many are wondering if they'll be able to pay rent, mortgage or even their car payment. Consumer Reporter John Matarese offers some options.

Should garden centers be open?
The debate over which businesses are essential and can remain open is heating up by the day. One such business is gardening chains. Consumer Reporter John Matarese looks into whether they are really essential so you don't waste your money.

Independent workers await unemployment aid
Consumer reporter John Matarese shows why many of them are praying help comes soon.

Find help paying mortgage and rent
With stimulus checks on the way, many out-of-work people will soon be getting financial help. But what if you can't pay your bills right now? Consumer reporter John Matarese shows what you may be able to do.

Utilize low interest rates
Consumer reporter John Matarese shows us how to refinance some high interest loans.

Beyond the keyboard: Here's how to keep your workspace safe and clean
Doctors are advising everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and more frequently, and to try not to touch things that other people have touched. But have you looked around your work space - at work or even at home, if you are now working from home?

Clean workspace at work, at home
Consumer reporter John Matarese shows us the simple steps we can take.

Travel agents scramble in coronavirus uncertainty
With cruise lines and resorts shutting down and airlines dropping flights, many of us are desperate to get vouchers or refunds for our springtime travel. Consumer reporter John Matarese sat down with a travel agent to find out the best way to deal with jammed phone lines.

Think smaller stores when trying to find sanitizing supplies
Consumer reporter John Matarese looks into some alternative stores that might still have sanitizing supplies.

Workplaces urge employees to stop shaking hands
When it comes to business dealings, a handshake has long been a sign of respect and goodwill. Consumer reporter John Matarese looks into why change is not so easy.

Bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses from China see delays
Coronavirus is causing all sorts of supply problems and delays with products from China. Consumer reporter John Matarese shows what women getting married need to know.

Pharmacists ask people to stop hoarding
Consumer Reporter John Matarese shows us why pharmacists are begging you to think of others, so they can have some, too.